By Abdulrahman Aliagan, Abuja
As part of ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria as a global hub for telecommunications and digital innovation, the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), an arm of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has inaugurated and handed over a state-of-the-art Emerging Technologies Centre (ETC) to the Ogun State Institute of Technology (OGITECH), Igbesa.
The initiative aligns with the NCC’s broader mission to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide, expand ICT accessibility, and drive innovation-led economic growth. By equipping institutions like OGITECH with advanced technology infrastructure, the Commission is reinforcing Nigeria’s position in the global digital economy and fostering a new generation of tech-driven entrepreneurs and professionals.
The ETC is a critical component of the NCC’s strategic roadmap to promote universal digital access across rural, underserved, and unserved areas. The facility is designed to enhance learning, research, and digital entrepreneurship, providing students and faculty members with access to 100 desktop computers, emerging technology applications, high-speed bandwidth, and connectivity tools.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, USPF Secretary, Yomi Arowosafe, highlighted that the ETC represents more than just an infrastructure project—it is a vision to transform Nigeria into a leading digital economy.
“Under the strategic leadership of Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, and Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, the USPF is committed to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that ICT services reach every corner of Nigeria,” he said.
With a student population exceeding 9,300, OGITECH is positioned to benefit immensely from the project, as it will provide hands-on training in artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, cybersecurity, and other emerging technologies.
Beyond education, the ETC is expected to serve as an innovation and entrepreneurship hub, enabling start-ups and small businesses to incubate, develop, and scale their digital solutions.
“The impact of this project extends beyond OGITECH; it will contribute to Nigeria’s economic development by equipping young innovators with the skills and tools they need to thrive in the global digital space,” Arowosafe added.
To ensure the long-term impact of the ETC, the NCC, through the USPF, formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with OGITECH. The agreement ensures that the institution takes full ownership and responsibility for maintaining the centre, preventing abandonment or underutilization after handover.
OGITECH Rector, Dr. Abiodun Oluseye, commended the NCC and USPF for selecting the institution as a beneficiary and pledged to integrate the centre into the school’s curriculum, research programs, and community outreach initiatives.
“We are committed to ensuring that this facility is maximally utilized for the benefit of our students, faculty, and the wider community,” he assured.
The handover of the ETC at OGITECH is part of a broader effort by the NCC to position Nigeria as a global telecoms and digital innovation hub. The Commission has consistently invested in broadband expansion, digital infrastructure, and smart technology initiatives to enhance connectivity, innovation, and economic productivity.
By leveraging strategic ICT interventions like the ETC, the NCC is not only enhancing digital literacy but also creating an ecosystem where Nigerian talent can compete on the global stage in emerging fields such as fintech, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.
As Nigeria accelerates towards a digitally inclusive future, the NCC and USPF remain committed to strengthening the ICT landscape, fostering innovation, and ensuring that no community is left behind in the digital revolution. The Emerging Technologies Centre at OGITECH is a testament to this vision—one that will shape the next generation of tech leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs in Nigeria and beyond.
